I was struck today by a post I ran across on Typepad's recently updated blogs list. I've often wondered what it would be like to sit on the receiving end of an evangelical outreach opportunity. I'm not talking about walking by a street preacher guy...I'm talking sitting somewhere minding my own business and someone starts up a conversation and intentionally asks me questions and talks to me just to set up the big question..."If you died tonight, do you know where you'd spend eterinity"? To many folks it sounds like a bullhorn 4 inches away from the ear.
I think some time ago our culture might have outgrown this approach generally to sharing the good news. People are wanting real, not a set up to the big question. Friendship, relationships, genuine concern and just plain friendliness are what people need. The gospel in action. Loving others with no desire to just get another notch on the belt from someone who prays with you. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for telling people about Christ, but sometimes our approach needs to be realized and modified to being a genuine person who cares for others. Maybe it's time folks stop shouting at people?
Read from someone who recently experienced this at Barnes and Noble here. Any thoughts?
